Tom Scott

Gayle Walker (Scahill)

Dear  Classmates, it is with a heavy heart that i must tell you of Maire (Mary Lou) Cliggett Merritt's passing. I know this will be a shock for several of you like Mike and Jerry as it was for me, not to mention Ann who was joined to Maire at the hip from birth  

It seems that Maire suffered a heart attack early Monday morning and was found by her daughter Eileen. Her husband Bill had a massive heart attack in 2009 and suffers from oxygen to the brain. He has been in a nursing home ever since.  

Maire's funeral will be Friday in Holmdel, NJ  if you care to sent Ann a card, her address is: Mrs  Ann Hoeing 174 Wallis Rd  Rye, NH 03870. There is a hole in my heart today  she was my dearest friend.

Mike Young

Gayle, thank you so much for the news, sad as it is.  Maire, she'll always be Mary Lou to me, had such a soft and giving heart.  I feel so fortunate to have had her as a friend, and that thought makes me smile.  I have many fond memories of Pam and I double dating with Mary Lou and Gerry.   Knowing that Mary Lou is gone does sadden me.  I'm glad that she had you for a friend, Gayle, I know she cherished her relationship with you.  As you said, she'd put someone else's oxygen mask on before her own.  Years as a nun followed by raising a family.  I'll bet that her house was the one where all the neighborhood kids congregated.

Kathy Chaivre (Brown)

We were so sorry to hear of Mary Lou's sudden passing.  Our hearts and prayers are with Ann and all of her family.  When I  heard the news, a picture of her smiling  face popped in my head.  That's not a bad memory to leave with us.   God bless  her family  and bring them peace.

Rick Fournier

Tom Scott

Janet Flick (Stickel)

Tom couldn't have said it better.  I, too, am saddened by Mary Lou's sudden death.  Both she and Ann were wonderful classmates.  My thoughts and prayers go to her family -  especially Ann.  I have a good friend who also lives in Rye, NH who was just telling me that Ann runs a grief support group at her church which has been very helpful to my friend's widowed friend.   Just one example of the contributions these girls have given to the world.  A bright light has been taken from us.

And, Gayle, I am so sorry for your loss.

Tom Scott

Lorrie Olesak (Bookbinder)

Tom, I'll be sure to remember in my daily Lenten rosary.  Mary always listens 

Pat Diggles

Dear classmates,

I just returned today from a trip to Denver for a "Celebration of Life" for my best friend's wife who died suddenly at 66 in January.  I just read about Mary Lou's passing a few minutes ago!  I am sure God is with her!  We're all at the age that enjoying a good day with great friends isn't to be taken for granted!  As I look back on my life I reflect on the gifts I've been give, and they are many!...very good parents...growing up in Royal Oak...my sister Sally and my brothers, Dan, Mike and Tim....a Shrine education...a college education...drafted into the military service that taught me the value of life...a good career thart was often times just lucky...a wonderful wife and three kids...and a reconnection to all of you through this wonderful website!  We are all in the last quarter of our lives and it certainly is a time of reflection. I will pray for Mary Lou and her family and each of you as well!  We have all been blessed!

Pat   
 

Arlene Vachon (Forrester)

Well said, Patrick.  We are all truly blessed.  I am saddened to hear about Mary Lou.  It was my pleasure to know both the twins.  So sweet and happy.  My prayers for Ann and their families.  I had the recent joy of a visit from a childhood friend that lived on the same street.  We had the best time reminiscing about our lives on N. Maple and our families.  She, too, is battling cancer, but for the entire time she was with me, we never dwelt on the negative, just talked about the good times in a world so much kinder back then.  Love to you all ❤️

Judy Schoen (Grewe)

Hello Class, I'm terrified to try this again , but appreciated the teasing , such sad news about Mary Lou but she's     blessed to be in the ultimate reward with many of our dear ones , prayers for strength and acceptance to her family and Ann.  So many beautiful responses ... Yes Lorrie, I believe Mary always listens , I however, don't always hear but I keep talking to Her anyway , bless us all...

Gayle Walker (Scahill)

Dear Ones, each of you has expressed such on-point emotions.  Tom and Pat, I am especially moved by your caring for the special ones in your lives.  With so many competing slurs in the world today, it is so reassuring to know there are still people like our classmates who cherish the importance of family, friends and love  

Gayle Walker (Scahill)

Well, I had my laugh for the day! My last post should have been ...competing values, not slurs. Autocorrect can really mess a word up!

Suzanne Yowell (Kauffman)

Gayle,

Competeing slurs makes perfect sense! Xoxo

Fred George

Gayle,

I'm with Sue.  In fact, I'm having trouble deciding which is more accurate!

Tom Scott

Arlene Vachon (Forrester)

I just saw a bumper sticker that says it all:

"Life is like a roll of toilet paper.  The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes!"​

Mike Young

​Happy Birthday, Kathy Kehoe, a sunshine person if ever I've met one.  I remember dancing with you with your feet on top of my shoes so I wouldn't step on your toes any more.  I hope you feel as good as you make the rest of the world feel.  Even if you're not reading this, I'll bet Gayle will pass this on, hopefully not with any slurs.  You, and all of our non-golfing classmates, should join us in August after golf for some socializing and dining.  I know that I'd like to see you.

Arlene, let's hope we've all gotten the double ply extra long rolls for our lives, but I can't help thinking what toilet paper takes a lot of. 

Dan Janness

It is with a heavy heart that I am letting everyone know of the passing of Linda Toutant Murphy. She passed away early this morning, I have no details yet, but will let everyone know when available. She is in a better place now, and will be missed by all.

Tom O'Brien

A Happy and glorious Birthday wishes to Kathy. enjoy your day and if you celebrate like my youngest daughter, have a happy month. stay strong and wishes for many more.

Kathy Chaivre (Brown)

Thanks Dan for letting us know of Linda's passing.  She fought for a long time  and is now at peace. She was a sweet girl with a vivacious spirit.  Our deepest sympathy to her family.

Arlene Vachon (Forrester)

I just received the news about Linda from Pat Belanger Sykes.  Linda's sister and daughter were with her and her passing was very peaceful.  My heart goes out to her children who have lost both parents in the last 18 months.  Very difficult time for the family.  I am so happy that I saw  Linda at the mini reunion 2 years ago.  She looked so good.  When she told me she had cancer, I was floored.  Rest in peace, Linda.  Your suffering is over.  Your children and family are in my prayers.  You are in the hands of God now.  Bless you.

Mike Young

​Thanks, Dan for the news about Linda, sad though it is.  I was fortunate to have gone to grade school with Linda, we even sat next to one another for eighth grade.  She was without guile and had a sensitive and soft heart.  I admired her character even then.

Bonnie Ellison (Zook)

 I was saddened to hear the passing of our friend Linda .  She will be missed